SEC Predictions: Picking every game against the spread for Week 4

Sep 19, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

• Date: Saturday September 26, 2015
• Time: 3:30PM Eastern
• Location: Gainesville, FL
• TV Channel: CBS
• Spread: Tennessee -1
• Over/Under Total: 47.5

It’s been eleven long years since Tennessee has beaten Florida, and until untimely suspensions forced cornerback Jalen Tabor and backup quarterback Treon Harris to miss (at least) this week’s game, the Gators were favored to make it 11 straight victories in the series.

However, the news that Tabor – who ranks among the nation’s leaders with five passes defended and returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown against East Carolina – will miss the SEC East clash has moved the Vols to a one-point favorite.

Tabor will certainly be missed, particularly because now Tennessee can attack his replacement instead of choosing between Tabor and All-American corner Vernon Hargreaves III. However, Florida still has one of the nation’s most talented and productive defenses. Through three games, the Gators lead the SEC in rush defense (57.6 yards per game), having allowed only 2.0 yards per carry and only one rushing touchdown. Florida also ranks second in the SEC and No. 7 in the country with 11 sacks.

But Florida hasn’t faced an offense as skilled as Tennessee’s. Though they’ve relied heavily on the legs of running backs Jalen Hurd (300 yards, 5 TDs), Alvin Kamara (195 yards, 3 TDs) and QB Joshua Dobbs (474 passing yards, 107 rushing yards, 7 total TDs), Tennessee features one of the SEC’s most balanced offenses, capable of picking up yards and scoring points on the ground or through the air. Expect the Vols to score just enough to end the streak.

Next: ULM at Alabama